Chair By Sori Yanagi For Kotobuki, Japan 1969

Designed by Sori Yanagi in 1969, this stackable chair is one of the first models to use FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) in Japan. Inspired by the introduction of the Eames Shell Chair in the 1950s, Kotobuki, in collaboration with Isamu Kenmochi, began pioneering research into mass-producing FRP furniture. Yanagi embraced this initiative, creating a chair that combines comfort, ergonomics, and aesthetics. The chair features a sleek, minimalist silhouette, with a slightly tilted backrest and a wide shell that perfectly contours to the body. The seat is padded with foam and covered in a voluntarily asymmetrical mottled black and green fabric, offering both comfort and elegance. As Sori Yanagi said, "The form must be beautiful from behind," and this piece is a perfect example of that philosophy. The chrome-plated steel base adds a modern, polished touch, while the use of FRP ensures long-lasting durability and ease of care. The shell is marked with the manufacturer's emblem. Manufacturer : Kotobuki, Japan, circa 1980.